Golf

Breast cancer impacts many people in our society. I lost a dear friend to breast cancer many years ago.

June Larson was a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism; I was a graduate of the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse. We were both stay-at-home moms and became friends through our church, where we were both active in Sunday School and youth programs.

When all of our children were in school full time, June and I began our long-delayed writing careers. We joined forces and sent out proposals on articles we wanted to write.

There’s a new golf course community called Lennon Hills right off Route 211 near Virginia Williamson Elementary School.

Driving to Southport one day, I saw a sign that read “Green Golf Course Community.” I was curious, so I drove back in there, following a winding road maybe a mile or so until I saw a formal entrance, a couple of model homes and, beyond the trees, a golf course.

PGA Golf Professional Roy Pace came to Brunswick County a few weeks ago for the dedication of the Roy Pace Wee Links Course at Cinghiale Creek, home of The First Tee of Brunswick County.

Before the opening ceremonies, I had a chance to sit down and talk with Roy in the Learning Center. I came away in awe.

This is a good guy with a long history as a PGA Tour Player, a club pro, award-winning teacher, writer, president of a chapter of The First Tee in Texas, and now the designer of Wee Links Golf, a concept I believe will bring golf into mainstream U.S.A.

The Beachcombers played at Brierwood. Captain’s choice was the game of the day. First at 7-under par were Hal Riebesehl, Bill Cameron, Ed Hennessey and Dennis Butler. Second at 6 under were Stu Cleveland, Fred Ortiz, Bob Brownley and Paul Michal. Third at 3 under were Bill McDavitt, Larry Bollinger and Jim Beairsto.

The First Tee of Brunswick County home course is The Golf Park at Cinghiale Creek near Shallotte. On Saturday, Cinghiale Creek officially opened a new 2-acre outdoor practice area to complement its 18-hole golf course for the youth. It is called the Roy Pace Wee Links and Driving Range.

A large crowd of chapter volunteers, guests, parents, and youth were on hand to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The guest of honor, and the namesake for the new course and range, was Roy Pace from Longview, Texas. He is the president and PGA golf instructor of The First Tee of the Piney Woods.

Chandler Taylor and Keith Hopkins, members of The First Tee of Brunswick County, attended a Golf Eagle and Ace Academy July 29-Aug. 3 in Nashville, Tenn. Forty-two participants from 21 chapters of The First Tee in nine states attended.

The week was an immersion in golf with two 18-hole rounds, eight nine-hole rounds and clinics dedicated to full swing, short game and course management. Each participant received a SeeMore Putter, a pair of Callaway golf shoes and other Callaway products, including hats, balls and equipment.

Last month I started a series called “Pro Profiles,” which will feature some of our local golf professionals. Today, the series continues with David Kjome, director of golf at St. James.

David is called K.J. by most of his friends and associates. He is tall and tanned with a killer smile. If I were casting a movie with a golf pro in it, I would put David (or someone just like him) in the role.